Press Release Article

E-ZPass Plus, which allows E-ZPass customers to pay for non-toll transactions, is being introduced by the Port Authority at its airport parking lots. The new service, which uses existing E-ZPass accounts, allows customers to pay for parking with E-ZPass and speed their exit leaving the lots. The $30 million initiative, now in use in all parking lots at John F. Kennedy International Airport, will be expanded to include all parking lots at Newark Liberty International and LaGuardia airports later this year.

New York Governor George E. Pataki said, “Programs like E-ZPass Plus ensure that business and leisure travelers enjoy improved transportation service. These increased efficiencies will encourage travel and commerce, which in turn will serve to help rebuild our economy.”

New Jersey Governor James E. McGreevey said, “E-ZPass Plus is a smart investment that will make our airports safer and improve customer service. It will complement our ongoing efforts to improve customer service through emerging technologies, such as the high-speed E-ZPass lanes planned for the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway.”

Port Authority Chairman Jack G. Sinagra said, “Travelers are already familiar with the advantages of using E-ZPass at tollbooths. That same technology is being employed here so that drivers can leave airport parking lots more quickly by using the convenience of this proven payment method.”

Port Authority Vice Chairman Charles A. Gargano said, “Part of the Port Authority’s mission is to develop and operate a first-class transportation system that puts customers first and strives to earn their respect every day. This program is one way we fulfill that commitment.”

Port Authority Executive Director Joseph J. Seymour said, “For more than 80 years, the Port Authority has been focused on making investments that enhance trade, travel, economic development and tourism in the region. E-ZPass Plus is a great example of how these investments directly benefit our customers.”

Port Authority Deputy Executive Director Michael R. DeCotiis said, “When the project is complete later this year, E-ZPass Plus will be available at more than half of the exit lanes in all public parking lots at the three airports, enabling airport customers to pay for their parking faster and more conveniently.”

E-ZPass Plus is initially available to customers at Kennedy Airport who have established E-ZPass accounts with the Port Authority, MTA Bridges and Tunnels, or the New York State Thruway Authority, and replenish their accounts with a credit card. Customers with E-ZPass accounts established with other agencies will be able to use E-ZPass Plus for all airport parking later this year, including parking at Newark Liberty International and LaGuardia airports. The Port Authority is implementing the project in coordination with other capital investments at the airports. By phasing in the project, the agency is able to coordinate construction schedules and minimize disruption to its customers.

Using E-ZPass Plus is simple. Eligible E-ZPass customers take tickets as usual when entering an airport parking lot. When ready to exit, those customers can use any lane with the purple E-ZPass Plus sign overhead, insert the parking ticket into the electronic reader at the cashier booth, and exit when the gate goes up. Account statements will reflect all parking charges. Receipts are available at the cashier’s booth upon request. Parking fees of less than $20 will be deducted from E-ZPass account balances, while charges of $20 or more will be charged directly to the credit cards used to establish the E-ZPass accounts.

Individual E-ZPass account holders who replenish their accounts with a credit card are automatically enrolled to use E-ZPass Plus. Prepaid/commercial account holders must contact the E-ZPass Service Center (800 333-8655) to activate E-ZPass Plus on their accounts.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey operates some of the busiest and most important transportation links in the region. They include John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty International, LaGuardia and Teterboro airports; the George Washington Bridge; the Lincoln and Holland tunnels; the three bridges between Staten Island and New Jersey; the PATH rapid-transit system; the Downtown Manhattan Heliport; Port Newark; the Elizabeth-Port Authority Marine Terminal; the Howland Hook Marine Terminal on Staten Island; the Brooklyn Piers/Red Hook Container Terminal; and the Port Authority Bus Terminal in midtown Manhattan. The agency is financially self-supporting and receives no tax revenue from either state.

To hear an audio clip of this statement, please visit http://www.panynj.gov/radio/clips/20030109103621.mp3